How to use it
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the width in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet.
What it does – The calculator takes your project's length, width, and depth and instantly converts them into three common measurements: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage. Knowing the exact volume helps you order the right amount of gravel, avoiding costly over‑orders or shortfalls that delay a driveway, patio, or foundation.
Why it matters – Gravel is sold by the cubic yard, but many contractors quote in tons. Using the built‑in 1.4 US tons per cubic yard conversion gives you a reliable estimate for budgeting and for communicating with suppliers.
How to read the results – Cubic yards is the primary quantity to order; cubic feet lets you compare with other materials, and the ton figure shows the weight you’ll need to handle today.
Pro tips
- Add a 5‑10% waste allowance to cover breakage and spillage.
- Round up to the nearest 0.1 cubic yard for ordering simplicity.
- Order a little extra to account for compaction after placement.
- Double‑check depth measurement; mixing inches and feet is a common mistake.
Real-life examples
- Homeowner building a new driveway.
- DIY gardener laying a patio base.
- Contractor estimating gravel for a drainage trench.
Case study
Mike needed gravel for a 12 ft × 8 ft patio 4 in deep. Using the calculator he saw he required 0.89 cubic yards (≈1.2 tons). He ordered 1 cubic yard, saved $50 on excess material, and completed the patio on schedule.